Day 8

We started the day by purchasing the gondola tickets before the queues became too long. Next we drove around to the Cave and Basin (hot springs) carpark and went off on a walk to Sundance Canyon. It was a very pretty walk. We passed a couple returning who commented there was a black bear in the meadow up ahead. (meadow was a sparsely wooded hillside) Being brave, intrepid adventurers (Marg leading the charge!) we continued on. Had we not been told of the bear we would most likely have missed it as it blended into the tree stumps about 100m off the track. Before we could get our camera's into positon (even Vince was slow this time!!) the bear had lumbered off. They can move when they want to go somewhere.

On reaching the canyon and walking alongside the flowing river, Margaret decided to test the waters. Her hand came out rather chilled (I knew I should have brought the beer and white wine to chill them!). The water was like that from the fridge.

Next stop was Downtown Banff and the library. No, it was not Margaret's suggestion. Vince needed to have some documents scanned and sent off to work (needed to justify the use of the work phone while away). However, Vince had to wait for someone (?) who was busy checking out the books. We noticed that the library was the local hangout for all the backpackers as they could use the free Wifi.

Since we were in town a short detour to the local ice creamery called Cows (in the late afternoon/evening the queues are out the door). We purchased double scoops. Margaret had Mooey Henry and maple/walnut whilst Vince had Mooey Gooey and Chocolate cheesecake (the latter being very rich).

Off to Surprise Corner where you get a view of the Banff Springs hotel from the other side of the river. It was then time to head up to the gondola ride. You can walk to the top of Sulphur mountain but as that is 2 hours one way and we still had lots to see we opted for the 8 minute gondola ride to take us the 2281 metres up. Once at the top it is about a 600m walk to Sanson Point (originally a weather station) where you have 360 degree views into the valleys below. It was quite cool with the wind but lovely in the sun away from the wind. The view was a rather hazy but we managed some nice photos.

Last stop and walk for the day was out to Lake Minnewanka (pronounced mini wonka). It had been an overcast day but now the clouds were thickening. We still managed to get out to Stewart Canyon and back. The wind around the lake was picking up and small white caps were starting to form on the lake. On arrival back at the car we had a squirrel playing hide and seek under the car. Very cheeky little thing as when we looked underneath he was hiding somewhere up in the engine. Deciding we could not wait for him to come out and run off Vince started the car whilst Margaret watched for his exit. This still took several minutes and even then he only just sat to the front of the car (brave or stupid who knows!)

Continuing our drive around the lake area we drove through Two Jacks campground. Very impressed with the facilities. They have amenities and camp kitchen for every 5-8 campsites. We felt not all the campers know how to camp properly! Some were on the money with a glass of red standing/ sitting around the campfire. Others were off for their pre-dinner walk with a coffee in hand!!!!(coffee for an evening walk I ask you!!).

Last stop was to grocery shop for the next several days. Lake Louise has one grocery store and we had been warned it is treble the price of Banff. Home, dinner and pack before calling it a night. We manage to walk approx. 15 kms today so we were ready to shut the eyes. Another later night again!! (And we complain about daylight saving in NSW, night begins around 9pm here at present)